A Bethlehem neurologist promising alternative views believes the political climate is right to elect an Independent Party candidate to the U.S. Senate. Dr. John Mahon will announce his candidacy in Luzerne County tonight.

Mahon, 45, called the timing "a window of opportunity" and said he has a legitimate chance in the high-profile race against Republican incumbent Arlen Specter and Democratic challenger Lynn Yeakel.

"I expect to win because I feel people are tired of big-money politics and they have new desire to participate more effectively" in government," he said. Economic instability has led to citizen dissatisfaction and will cause them to vote for change, he said.

The 1972 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University Medical College at Hershey also has held teaching positions at several Bethlehem area hospitals and is an associate professor at the Hahneman Medical College, Philadelphia. It was his medical background that made this political newcomer take a stand on medical costs.

The U.S. health care system must satisfy the needs of doctors and patients, he said. Mahon said his campaign will outline a plan to reduce wasteful spending and reduce health care costs by at least 30 percent. He also will offer suggestions for more education in day care, a tax program stressing a massive long-term investment in the nation's infrastructure and improved ways to care for the aged.

Mahon said he would represent his state well, having the background of a neurologist and being the son of a coal miner in Wilkes-Barre.

He lists providing jobs as an immediate priority but said this nation's most important challenge is to educate children and return to traditional values.

The Mahon campaign began in November. Campaign workers are circulating petitions in search of the 37,000 signatures necessary by Aug. 3 for inclusion on the fall ballot.